Archive for the ‘If You Could Go Back In Time To Fix Mistakes’ Category

Allow me first to extend a warm greeting to you all. Although it is currently late for me, I find study of scriptures and regular visits to previous thoughts at this time of the night is easiest. It also is appealing, because I have my homework done.

On Wednesday 10/27/10 we had a Halloween Trunk or Treat at the church, a practice annually repeated, in which care for the safety and security of the children is a top of our concern. It was at this social event, that a regular conversation came about between two of the brethren of the branch- it posed good intentions.

In this conversation, I heard one of the brethren appeal to another, that if given the chance many would go back in time to correct their mistakes so they would not happen. I find that seems to be a universal feeling that people both in and out of the church have readily pondered. I replied in a manner something along the lines of, “As appealing as that may be, perhaps we should consider the implications. I know that if I went back in time and corrected things so that I would not have any issues down the road, I would actually be taking away from what testimony and strength I have now… thus altering how I could help others, and this would also take away from my ability to teach by experience the devastation that comes to all who take that road.” (Remember, thats not word for word, but something along the lines of what I said)

We did not really talk more about it after I shared my thoughts concerning it, but it certainly impressed upon my mind a cause for reflection. We are taught from a very young age that what we should do, and what we should not do. We do have the moral agency to proceed at our discretion, but we do not have the ability to choose the consequences.

We also learn that the Lord allows us this critical function, so that in and through our decisions, whether good or evil, we recognize the difference in good and evil. Agency was ultimately a very key issue which undoubtedly sparked the rebellion of Lucifer and a third of the hosts of heaven.

I mention all this, because as I reflected upon my 11 or so years of apostasy, I suffered much; All coming because of decisions that were not wise, but quite foolish. Yet, if I ever took away any one of those years of my learning consequences, I can’t help but think of how much weaker my resolve in life would be and whether I could help another who suffered like I.

In the book of 2nd Corinthians, chapter 12, verse 10 the Apostle Paul taught a wonderful lesson. Although the entire chapter is of great worth, he speaks about the significance of being weak in things. Said Paul,

“Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.“

Our challenges are stepping stones which serve as an everlasting reminder that we reap what we sew, and that in making mistakes we are to be humble and approach the Lord, asking him for help. Weaknesses are a continual reminder that of ourselves, we can not accomplish anything alone. To substantiate this communication, we need only to refer to John 15:5 where the Lord speaks:

“Without me ye can do nothing.”

With all the capacity that I am able to voice, I know the Lord has faith in me, he has faith in you. Indeed he has faith we all love him and a good part of that may be the simple fact that we are here. We know that those people who are here, who have ever previously been here, or ever will be here on earth, were overjoyed about the great Plan of Happiness. The Lord loves us all, and only asks of us to keep his commandments. As we do this, the Lord can begin to work changes of the heart and soul for the better. In this final portion here, I ask you to ponder the question which serves as our blog title today…

“If You Could Go Back In Time To Fix Mistakes, Would You Want To?”

I am grateful to all of my wonderful brethren here in this great stake of Zion, who day in and out spread their joy and love of the Gospel with those around them and I can promise anyone one thing- If you seek for the fountain of truth you will find it, and to seek for it you must be firmly attached to the Iron Rod (The word of God).

I pray you all good health until we gather in for Stake Conference on the 31st.

11-28-10 : “That Our Children Might See The Face Of Our Savior” – By Cheryl C. Lant – April 2010

12-5-10 : “Only An Elder” – by Elder Bruce R. McConkie in 1974

12-12-10 : Chapter 23 Gospel Principles Manual “The Sacrament”

12-19-10 : Chapter 24 Gospel Principles Manual “The Sabbath Day”

12-26-10 : To Be Announced

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